The Florida Magazine Association’s 2017 Charlie Awards

Last week, Sarasota Scene took home three awards at The Florida Magazine Association’s Charlie Awards, which recognizes publishing excellence in our state.

The Florida Press Association held the Florida Magazine Awards dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples on Aug. 11, 2017.

This was our very first year entering the contest, so imagine our pleasure at winning these awards:

Charlie Award (1^st Place) – Best Photo Illustration (October 2016 cover)

Bronze Award – Best Magazine Redesign (March 2017)

Bronze Award – Best Cover Design (December 2016)

Our 2016 philanthropy issue cover. Designed by Michelle Cross.

Magazine Redesign: March 2017, The Good Life
Photo by John Revisky.

Imagine, a 60-year-old publication – the longest-running publication in the area – receiving these great honors the very first time entered into a contest.

We are a small, family-run business – check out our masthead – and we don’t have the large staff that other local publications have; we love that everything we produce has a personal touch to it, and we think that’s what has allowed this publication to stand the test of time.

Sarasota Scene is all about people, for the people make this town what it is: artistic, cultured, philanthropic, fun and creative. While we realize the need to continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to staying true to our roots, staying plugged in to the community network, and giving readers what they want.

We also recognize the need to help one another. That’s why Sarasota Scene donates more than $250,000 in ad space to our local nonprofits each year – as well as website ad space, public relations efforts, editorial, social media, and photography – all to help bring awareness to each worthy cause.

Sarasota Scene’s publisher, Julie Milton, accepting the Charlie award for best photo illustration.

We are Sarasota, and Sarasota is us. That’s why we’ll always stay committed to editorial integrity, beautiful pages, and community presence.

Be informed…Be entertained…Be Scene. Charlie

Here’s to another 60 years (and beyond)!

– Bobbilynn Hollifield

You might also be interested in our 60th Anniversary issue (February 2017).